Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers (Printer Version)

Crispy jalapeño poppers with creamy cheese filling, air-fried golden in just 25 minutes. Irresistibly delicious!

# What You'll Need:

→ Jalapeños

01 - 8 large fresh jalapeños

→ Filling

02 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - 4 oz shredded cheddar cheese
04 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Coating

08 - 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Optional Toppings

10 - 2 tablespoons cooked crumbled bacon

# How to Prepare:

01 - Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes.
02 - Wash jalapeños and slice each in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to carefully remove seeds and membranes. Wear gloves if sensitive to spice.
03 - In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, chives, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth and fully blended.
04 - Spoon cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, mounding slightly above the top.
05 - In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with olive oil and mix well.
06 - Sprinkle or press breadcrumb mixture onto the tops of filled jalapeños.
07 - Place poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
08 - Air fry at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes until tops are golden brown and jalapeños are tender.
09 - Remove from air fryer. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon if desired. Serve warm with ranch or sour cream dip.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • They come out perfectly crispy without any of the oil mess or lingering smell that frying leaves in your kitchen.
  • You can prep them ahead and pop them in the air fryer right before guests arrive, making them the easiest crowd pleaser.
02 -
  • I once forgot to soften the cream cheese and spent ten minutes wrestling with cold, lumpy filling that wouldn't spread, so always leave it out ahead of time.
  • Crowding the air fryer basket makes the poppers steam instead of crisp, so give them space even if it means cooking in two rounds.
03 -
  • Use a small spoon or even a melon baller to scoop out the jalapeño insides cleanly, which makes filling them much neater.
  • If the breadcrumbs aren't browning enough, spray them lightly with cooking oil halfway through for an extra golden finish.
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